The Supreme Court on Friday, nullified the Local Government election in Rivers State, which was conducted on Oct. 5, 2024.

A five-member panel of the apex court unanimously held that the election was conducted in violation of relevant laws.

Justice Jamilu Tukur, in the lead judgment, agreed with the appellant, the All Progressives Congress (APC), that conditions precedent were not complied with before the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) held the election.

Justice Tukur held that there was no evidence that the voters’ registration continued until 90 days before the election and that the requisite notices were issued as required by law.

Nigeria has lost a broadcasting icon as Chief Anike Agbaje-Williams, Africa’s first female television broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 88.

Her family announced her passing in a statement signed by Mrs. Banji Sokoya, revealing that the veteran broadcaster died peacefully in Ibadan, where she lived most of her life.

“Goodnight, my ever so cherished mummy, boss, and mentor. We’ll surely see in the morning,” the statement read.

Born on October 23, 1936, Agbaje-Williams made history as the first face to appear on television in Africa when she featured on Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) in Ibadan during its test transmission and official launch on October 31, 1959. She was also the first voice heard on Africa’s first commercial radio station, Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), earning her the title of “Double-First.”

She had a distinguished career in broadcasting, rising through the ranks to become a respected producer and director of programmes before retiring in July 1986.

A devoted member of All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan, she was also one of its oldest choristers. Her family described her as a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy will be cherished forever.

“The family profoundly mourns the passing of a great icon. We take comfort in knowing she lived a glorious, remarkable, and impactful life. She inspired many fans and mentees over the years,” the statement read.

The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning, with funeral arrangements to be announced later.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has urged healthcare workers to strictly adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures when handling Mpox cases to prevent further spread.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, emphasised the importance of frontline workers prioritising their own safety while providing care for patients in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Protect yourself while caring for Mpox patients. Your safety is just as important as your patients’,” he stated.

Mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, and respiratory droplets.

Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and a rash that progresses to painful lesions.

Idris also urged hospitals and clinics to reinforce IPC measures to protect both healthcare workers and patients.

He outlined several key safety precautions for healthcare workers, including: wearing gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns while handling patients.

“Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.

“Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and use barrier nursing techniques.

“Properly disinfect hospital surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination.

“Identify suspected cases early and ensure proper isolation to curb further transmission,” he said.

Idris assured Nigerians that the NCDC was monitoring the Mpox situation and remained committed to providing regular updates and technical support to health facilities.

He urged healthcare workers to stay vigilant, report suspected cases promptly, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of Mpox.

He also called on the general public to stay informed, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.

As part of its ongoing response, he said that the NCDC had been working with state health authorities, training healthcare workers, and strengthening laboratory capacity for Mpox diagnosis.

Idris reiterated that preventing the spread of Mpox required collective effort from both healthcare workers and the public, encouraging Nigerians to remain cautious, follow public health guidelines, and support efforts to contain the virus.

He advised healthcare workers and the public to visit the NCDC’s official website or follow its verified social media handles for more information and updates.